Devons History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms

Origins Available:
England
Ireland

Etymology of Devons

What does the name Devons mean?

The ancestry of the name Devons dates from the ancient Anglo-Saxon culture of Britain. It comes from when the family lived near a body of water derived from the Old English word that means deep waters.

Early Origins of the Devons family

The surname Devons was first found in Sussex where they held a family seat from very ancient times, some say well before the Norman Conquest and the arrival of Duke William at Hastings in 1066 A.D.

Early History of the Devons family

This web page shows only a small excerpt of our Devons research. Another 70 words (5 lines of text) are included under the topic Early Devons History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Devons Spelling Variations

Spelling variations in names were a common occurrence before English spelling was standardized a few hundred years ago. In the Middle Ages, even the literate spelled their names differently as the English language incorporated elements of French, Latin, and other European languages. Many variations of the name Devons have been found, including Devenish, Devonish, Devanay, Devenay, Deveney, Devenney, Devenny, O'Devanny, O'Devenish, O'Devonish and many more.

Early Notables of the Devons family

More information is included under the topic Early Devons Notables in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Migration of the Devons family to Ireland

Some of the Devons family moved to Ireland, but this topic is not covered in this excerpt.
Another 54 words (4 lines of text) about their life in Ireland is included in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Migration of the Devons family

Families began migrating abroad in enormous numbers because of the political and religious discontent in England. Often faced with persecution and starvation in England, the possibilities of the New World attracted many English people. Although the ocean trips took many lives, those who did get to North America were instrumental in building the necessary groundwork for what would become for new powerful nations. Some of the first immigrants to cross the Atlantic and come to North America bore the name Devons, or a variant listed above: John Devenish who settled in Barbados in 1680 with his wife, two children, and servants; another John settled in New England in 1678; Hugh, Daniel, John, Michael, Samuel, Thomas, and William Devenney, all arrived in Philadelphia between 1840 and 1870..

The Devons Motto +

The motto was originally a war cry or slogan. Mottoes first began to be shown with arms in the 14th and 15th centuries, but were not in general use until the 17th century. Thus the oldest coats of arms generally do not include a motto. Mottoes seldom form part of the grant of arms: Under most heraldic authorities, a motto is an optional component of the coat of arms, and can be added to or changed at will; many families have chosen not to display a motto.

Motto: Spero et captivus nitor
Motto Translation: I hope, and though a captive I strive.